Preview: Bradford City v Gillingham in League 2 at Valley Parade; Gills boss Neil Harris on facing a big challenge against Mark Hughes’ side

Gillingham manager Neil Harris knows his defence will have to be on top form to keep the division’s leading marksman quiet.

Experienced forward Andy Cook, 32, has 27 goals to his name this season for Saturday opponents Bradford City - 24 of those coming from his 42 league outings.

Cook got a goal against the Gills in a 2-0 win at Priestfield at the end of February, robbing defender Max Ehmer of possession, beating fellow centre-half Conor Masterson before firing past keeper Glenn Morris.

The striker’s been giving lower-league defences a hard time throughout his career but this season has been an exceptional one - under the guidance of former Manchester United legend Mark Hughes.

Those goals have helped Bradford chase promotion in League 2 this season - starting the weekend sixth in the table - and Harris is looking forward to seeing how his ever-improving side get on.

Harris said: “It will be the same type of challenge as we faced at home, against a very good side, they are only a point or so less than us in the form guide since January 1 which shows how well they have done, as well as us.

“They have fantastic players, really good players, Andy Cook upfront has been the best no.9 in the division this year and his stats back that up, not just with his goals but assists and the way he leads the line.

“My defence will have to be at their best to handle him and their front-line.

“They have individual ability in wide areas, if they decide to play their wingers, and real experience in the spine of the team so, coupled with a 20,000-strong crowd behind them (at Valley Parade), it is a test for us, but these are the challenges we want, these are the challenges we have earned the right to attack with a little bit of freedom and